Homeless or Individual?

We need to look at people that are in need as fellow humans and not ignore them.

They could be our neighbor, father, mother, son or daughter; or someone that has only us to care for them. What would we want someone to do for us if we were in their place? We might be in the same situation if we did not have the support that we have. Can we give them that kind of support and love? They not only need food and clothing but our acknowledgement of them as an individual that deserves our attention.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:15-17

About Homelessness

Approximately 2.3 - 3.5 million people are homeless each year in U.S. (Urban Institute)

12 million adults in U.S. currently are or have been homeless at some point in their lives. (National Coalition for the Homeless)

The largest and fastest growing group of homeless folks are families with children, comprising 40% of the homeless population, mostly with single mother head of household. Average homeless family has 2.2 children. (HUD)

33% of homeless men are veterans. (HUD)

22% of single adult homeless population suffer from severe and persistent mental illness. (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001)

Demand for Services

In 1993 Operation Nightwatch served an average of 49 clients per night; in 2003 they served over 100 nightly - providing food, shelter placement, permanent housing, emergency care, hotel vouchers, and personal care items.

The 2002 Street Count found 2,040 people on the street in Seattle/King County. On any given night there are 7,980 homeless in Seattle/King County.

Of the 7,980, only 4,675 were able to find emergency shelter for the night.

In 1999 there was a 12% increase in requests for shelter, 18% increase in requests for food assistance. (US Conference of Mayors)

Causes of Homelessness

Wage earners must make $12.29 an hour for 40 hours a week to afford the average one-bedroom apartment in King County. (reported in Seattle Times, 9/24/00)

Between 1993 and 1995 the number of units affordable to low-income renters dropped by 900,000 units nationwide. (National Low Income Housing Coalition)

In 315 of 399 U.S. metropolitan areas, 40% or more of renters cannot afford the fair market rent for a two-bedroom unit. (NLIHC)

Minimum wage workers cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the U.S.

In 1998, applicants waited an average of 28 months for a Section 8 rental assistance voucher. (HUD)

35 Ways You Can Help the Homeless

"You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." ~John Bunyan

1. Understand Who the Homeless Are - Help dispel the stereotypes about the homeless. Learn about the different reasons for homelessness, and remember, every situation is unique.2. Respect the Homeless as Individuals - Give the homeless people the same courtesy and respect you would accord your friends, your family, your employer. Treat them as you would wish to be treated if you needed assistance.3. Respond with Kindness - We can make quite a difference in the lives of the homeless when we respond to them, rather than ignore or dismiss them. Try a kind word and a smile.4. Develop Lists of Shelters - Carry a card that lists local shelters so you can hand them out to the homeless. You can find shelters in your Yellow Pages.5. Buy "Street News" - This biweekly newspaper is sold in almost every major American city and is intended to help the homeless help themselves. For every paper sold, the homeless earn five cents deposited in a special savings account earmarked for rent. What an impact!6. Bring Food - It's as simple as taking a few extra sandwiches when you go out. When you pass someone who asks for change, offer him or her something to eat. If you take a lunch, pack a little extra. When you eat at a restaurant, order something to take with you when you leave.

•On any given night, an estimated 8,300 people in King County are homeless. Homeless families and individuals who used shelters were part of a survey, which gives us some information about who is homeless in King County.

•27% were children under age 18 (most of them under five years old).

•40% were women, and 60% were men.

•There were 44 pregnant women.

•27% had no income from any source.

•23% had been homeless for two years or more.

•One-third reported a disability

•38% mental illness

•36% alcohol/substance abuse

•16% mental illness and substance abuse

•1 in 10 people reported domestic violence or physical abuse in the past year